The New York Yankees have not given up on pursuing San Diego Padres’ star outfielder Juan Soto. According to MLB Insider Andy Martino of SNY, the Yankees and Padres recently saw a breakthrough in their talks that included “exchanging” names of the players that could be also included in the trade.
Soto will become a free agent after the 2024 MLB season, and the Padres, looking to cut down on their spending, are unlikely to sign him on a long-term contract. This prompted the organization to field calls from interested teams in order to avoid losing the 25-year-old for nothing next offseason.
The Yankees are believed to be one of the most aggressive suitors, opening exploratory talks with the Padres shortly after the 2023 season ended. The San Diego team’s initial price was believed to be significantly higher than the Yankees were looking to give up, but there is hope that the two sides can get closer in the coming weeks.
Martino reports that the Yankees are aware that Soto would be a one-year rental, but that isn’t discouraging them from making a move for the three-time All-Star. The franchise wants to return to the playoffs after a disappointing campaign and believes Soto would help them do so. It doesn’t hurt that his attractive style of play would bring even more fans to the stands.
Soto finished the 2023 season batting .275 with a career-high 35 homers and 109 RBIs. He earned his third All-Star and fourth-consecutive Silver Slugger Award.
